Wildcat Weekly

December 2, 2018

Exciting Happenings

Holiday Food Drive

The week of Scarlet and Gray Week marks an opportunity for our students to celebrate school spirit , but also donate and support their community. Throughout the week students are encouraged to bring in canned food items to their XTXH room as donations to the holiday food drive. The winning room will receive a $50 donut party to sweeten and recognize their efforts. Community members interested in making a donation are welcome to bring items to the high school or contact Timothy Hubbard at hubbard.t@dpccsd.org or 513-936-4678.

Scarlet and Gray Spirit Week

Deer Parker - An Online Newspaper Created by Students

The Deer Parker is an online student newspaper written and edited entirely by 9-12th graders. Students in the Introduction to Journalism course, as well as students working independently, come up with ideas for articles, conduct interviews, take photos, write, and publish stories of interest to other Deer Park students and the community in general.  With some experienced student-journalists and others writing for the public for the first time, The Deer Parker is a great opportunity for writers and readers alike.  

Click here to check it out!

From the Office of 

College and Career Readiness

Need to Know By Grade Level

Seniors:  
Seniors are working on completing college applications, asking teachers for letters of recommendations, meeting individually with Ms. Madden, and learning about the FAFSA.

The following colleges will be visiting Deer Park during X-bell:  University of Cincinnati, Ball State University, Xavier University, Wittenberg University, Ashland University, Bellarmine University, and Wright State University.  More will be added regularly.

Graduate Services was at Deer park High School on Monday September 24th to speak with seniors.  Seniors were sent home with a packet of information on how to order cap and gowns. Please order cap and gowns before December 10th to avoid an increase in cost.  Any questions can also be directed to Graduate Services at 513-272-5890.  

Cap and Gown Q&A:
Q: When should I order my cap and gown?
A: The cost of cap and gowns will go up starting December 10th-order as soon as possible to ensure appropriate sizing.
Q: How can I order my cap and gown?
A: Orders can be placed on-line at www.graduateserviceinc.com or by phone at 513-272-5890. Graduates Services will accept cash, check or credit card.

Juniors:  
Will be taking assessments during CCR to determine how their values and interests apply to potential careers.

Sophomores:  
Will be taking assessments during CCR that will explore how students interests correlate with potential job opportunities.  

Interested in ordering a class ring-visit graduate services website here.  

Freshmen:  

9th grade students should be loading a career pathway onto their Naviance account.  This pathway will provide them with a plan through high school and beyond in the career that they are interested in exploring.  Samples of career pathways can be found HERE.

Jr High:
The 7th and 8th grade students should be really be using their Naviance accounts during November and December to explore possible career options.  We know that these will change, but we do need students to have more of a plan than just “NBA” or “YouTube” star.

CCR Soft Skill of the Week: Being a 21st century student and worker takes technical skills, but it also requires what are referred to as "soft skills". Please take a moment this week to talk to your student about ADAPTABILITY in the work environment. The job locator website Monster recommends several other important soft skills; click HERE to see more.  We are always looking for good information about keeping our students safe. Please check out this link to STEMJOBS that has an article discussing students and the current opioid crisis affecting America.    

TLC Strength Spotting: Our junior high students have been completing cards (and have had cards completed on them) where they have seen someone use one of the 24 strengths during the school day. Please ask your student about how they are using their strengths on a daily basis!

High School End-of-Course Assessment Retake Information

We are sending this notice to explain the upcoming testing dates that are available to our high school students.  The assessment component of Ohio’s new graduation requirements provides three ways to be eligible for a high school diploma.

1. Earn a cumulative score of 18 points, using seven end-of-course state tests over four years of high school, or
2. Earn 13 points by attaining an industry-recognized credential or group of credentials in a single career field and a workforce readiness score on WorkKeys, a nationally recognized job skills assessment, or
3. Earn scores in English language arts and mathematics on a national college admissions test or tests that indicate the student can do college-level work without needing to take remedial classes (such as the ACT or SAT).

Last year, all students taking high school level courses in English 9, English 10, Algebra, Geometry, Biology, U.S. History and American Government took state assessments to earn points towards graduation.  For each test, a student earns one to five graduation points for a potential of 35 points. To meet Option A, a student must earn a minimum number of 18 points from all tests.  This graduation option gives a student flexibility in accumulating 18 points. A high score on one test can balance a low score on another test. However, a student must earn a total of at least four points on English tests, four points on math tests and six points on science and social studies tests.

Deer Park Junior/Senior High School will be offering retakes during the dates of December 10th – January 10th, with specific dates for each test to be announced later.  For sophomores, these are optional assessments, but it is highly recommended for juniors or seniors who scored a “1/Limited” on any of their assessments.  If you would like your student to retake one of these assessments, please contact Jason Spelic at 891-0010 or at Spelic.j@dpccsd.org and feel free to contact us if you have any questions re: these state assessments, questions about the retakes, or need assistance understanding the new graduation requirements.

ACT Prep

John Baylor Prep is a free resource available to Deer Park Students preparing for the ACT. Below, you will find information about what John Baylor Prep can assist with. More information can be obtained by emailing Corrie Madden (madden.c@dpccsd.org).

Now 12 Sessions, split into two 20-minute videos.  You’ll now have the flexibility to show the ACT Classic course in 40-minute sessions, as before, or 20-minute sessions. Students take a quiz and do a homework assignment after the second video in each session. Online section tests are available after each subject.

The (optional) Strategies for the Writing Section video and worksheet now appears as Session 13.

Full Online ACT Test | In addition to online section tests, student now have the option to take a full ACT test online after session 10.

Subject Related Resources:

English | The Grammar Rules have been refined and consolidated to 19 Rules! Simplicity, clarity, and higher scores correlate.

Math | We’ve added repeating decimals, scientific notation, basic trig identities, and a few other concepts that have all appeared recently on the test.

Reading | We’ve added a fourth Reading strategy to particularly help students who are racing to finish that final fourth passage. Now they can.

Science | In response to the ACT’s reduction in the number of science passages from seven to six, we’ve updated our strategy so that students exploit that extra time for each passage.

Naviance Student Information

Deer Park students grades 7 - 12 will continue to use the Naviance platform as part of their college and career readiness efforts.  While the look and name has changed, the link is still found by clicking on Naviance Family Connections on the main highschool website under Quick Links.  Your student's account will be their district email address and student ID number.  Students can also download the app to their phone. Please check out this great tool together.

PSAT Results

PSAT Scores results will be available to students on December 11th. Paper copies of these scores reports will be distributed out to students shortly after this date.

College Application Tips

Start early. Set deadlines for completing essays, collecting recommendations and filling out forms a few weeks before they’re actually required.

Be consistent. Using the exact same name on all your forms makes things easier for admission officers. Decide if you want to use a shortened version of your legal name or your middle name, and then always use the same version. Switching names — going from Bill to Billy, for example — increases the odds that your materials will get misfiled.

Be careful. Careless mistakes on your application can hurt your chances of getting accepted. After you finish an application, put it aside for a day and then check it over for errors. If you can, have a teacher or parent proofread it as well. Save and review online applications before you submit them.

Alert your school. You need to let school officials know which colleges you’re applying to so they can send along your transcripts. The people you ask to write recommendation letters also need to know where you’re applying if they’re mailing the letters themselves.

Completing the Package

Don’t wait. Anything that needs to be mailed, including your application itself, should be sent in several weeks before it is due. This allows time for delivery and processing. Online materials should be sent weeks before the deadline as well.

Submit once. When you apply online, you’ll usually get an automated response saying your materials have been received. If you don’t, contact the college’s admission office. Don’t apply online again or mail in another application.

Keep copies. Make a copy of each piece of each application. Save personal identification numbers, passwords, canceled checks and notes or emails from admission officers. This documentation can save you if a problem arises.

Get confirmation. If you mail applications, put a stamped postcard addressed to your house in each package so admission officers can let you know that your materials arrived. The U.S. Post Office also offers a similar “return receipt” service. It may take a few weeks for confirmation cards to reach you.

If you get a notice saying something is missing, don’t panic. Just call the admission office and calmly ask what steps you can take. This is why you wisely saved copies of everything and sent in your application early!

Schoology Reminder

Don't have access to your student's grades, classes and assignments?  The information to create your own Schoology account can be found HERE.  Please contact Melissa Vickery at 891-0010 for your parent access code.  The Schoology App is also available to download to your phone or mobile device via I-Tunes or Google Play. Looking for tips on how to use the tools in Schoology?  Click HERE for more info!

Wildcat Virtual Academy Update

If your student is taking one of our online WVA courses, we highly advise parents and students to log-in regularly together and check completion status. Students can log into the system at home; the website for the program is:

http://accelerate-deerpark.agilixbuzz.com

Login name is their lastname.firstinitial

Password is their student ID number.  

Know!

Know!  The Prevention Action Alliance produces a monthly newsletter.  This organization, founded 30 years ago by a group of Ohio parents,  seeks to raise awareness about the dangers of drug and alcohol misuse.This month’s issue discuss CBD oil, a trend that you should be aware of.  Click HERE for the article.  The Prevention Action Alliance was founded 30 years ago by a group of Ohio parents seeking to raise awareness about the dangers of drug and alcohol misuse. Click HERE for previous editions of their  newsletter, KNOW!  and HERE to be taken to their website.

We are always looking for good information about keeping our students safe. Please check out this link to STEMJOBS that has an article discussing students and the current opioid crisis affecting America.  

Start Talking: Building a Drug Free Future

"Children of parents who talk to their teens about drugs are up to 50% less likely to use". Check out this link for more information: 

http://starttalking.ohio.gov 

Drug Misuse Community Forum

The DP CATS (Coalition Advocating Teen Success) and Prevention 1st hosted a community forum this week.  If you missed it and are interested in helping out with either After Prom or hosting a parent meeting, please contact us at 891-0010.  Please click HERE to see the presentation on prevention and HERE take a community readiness survey.  Thank you.

Get Involved in a Club/Activity at Deer Park Jr/Sr High School

Art Club
Amber Landers

Drama Club
Rachel Hackney
Sara Godwin

FCA
Greg Tabar

International Club
Jen Taylor
Marti Kitsinis

INTERalliance
Scott Calcaterra

NHS
Tim Hubbard
Sean Maher

Newspaper
Craig West

Photography
Craig West

Step-Up
Jason Spelic

C.A.T.S.
Jason Spelic

Hope Squad
Corrie Madden
Sean Maher

Need to Know

Deer Park Schools Fitness Center Updated Hours

Deer Park Community City School District would like to remind all Deer Park residents that the fitness center at Deer Park Jr./Sr. High School is open to all residents. The fitness center is now operating under new hours. The fitness center is now open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-9 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m.-noon. All residents MUST bring a photo ID each time they visit the fitness center, and can enter at the lower entrance of the facility on the north side of the school (pictured below), next to the tennis courts. We hope you will take advantage of this opportunity. The room features Cardio (treadmills, elliptical machines, and bikes), over 20 pin-loaded strength machines as well as free weight multi racks and dumbbells. We think you will be impressed with everything the room has to offer.

Volunteers Needed to Help with Concession Stand

Deer Park Wildcat Basketball Fans: The Deer Park Athletic Boosters is proud to support all student athletes at Deer Park. The Boosters raise funds by opening the concession stand during home games, but we can only operate with your help! We are looking for volunteers for the winter basketball season! Please consider volunteering to work a shift by clicking the attached link. Thank you for supporting our Deer Park Wildcat athletes! SIGN UP HERE!

Lunch Balance Notice

We are reaching high numbers of students with lunch charge balances that are at the maximum number of charges. Letters will be mailed home to families of DP Junior and Senior High School students where the situation needs immediate attention. Please be aware of the status of your students lunch account, as everyone wants lunch to be an enjoyable and relaxing experience.

Help Needed!

Do you pick your student up from school?  Want to help out but don't have a whole lot of time?  The junior high is looking for a parent or two to assist junior high students get organized before they leave for home.  Time commitment: 2:45 - 3:15. If you are interested, please contact Jason Spelic at spelic.j@dpccsd.org

Need Assistance During the Holidays?

With the leaves beginning to change, we’re reminded that the holidays will be here before we know it. If you and your family are in need of assistance this holiday season, fill out a Holiday Food Drive form. All the buildings have forms available and the forms were also sent home with students. Please make sure you return your holiday food drive request form as soon as possible to any building in the district. One form per family. If you need assistance with this process or have questions, please contact Laura Buchanan at buchanan.l@dpccsd.org or 513-936-6286. To print out a form, click here.

Community Readiness Survey

Please consider taking a brief survey on your thoughts about drug and alcohol misuse in Deer Park.  Click HERE for the survey.

Attendance Line 513-891-2414

Please remember to call the attendance number when you need to report your child absent  or if they will be arriving late to school. This number is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is important that the student’s name and reason for their absence are left on the attendance line. Thank you.

Deer Park Schools Looking for Substitutes

Deer Park Schools is looking for substitutes, educational aides, food service workers and secretary substitutes. Short-term and long term-positions are available. Details: Educational Aide: $11.00 per hour Food Service: $9.50 per hour Secretary: $11.00 per hour Short-term and long-term positions available Needs: High School Diploma or GED Clean criminal background check Apply: rachelwixey.com

Deer Park Schools Looking for Substitute Teachers

Deer Park Schools is looking for substitute teachers at both Deer Park Jr./Sr. High School and Amity Elementary. If you are interested in becoming a Substitute Teacher for us please apply here. We are partnered with Hamilton County Educational Service Center for this service. They are located at 11083 Hamilton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45231. Please log on the Hamilton County Educational Service Center's website. Once on the site please follow the directions on that page to complete and submit the forms. Apply HERE

Homework Club Opportunities

Jr. High Homework Club
Tuesday - Ms. Winebar (Room 60)
Thursday - Ms. Malkowski (Room 151)
Friday - Ms. Davison (room Room 51)

9th Grade Homework Club
Monday - Dr. West 
Tuesday - Mr. Moore 
Wednesday - Mr. Moulton
Thursday - Mr. Fite 

High School Math Lab
Mondays - Mr. Gabbard
Tuesdays - Ms. Ginn’s room
Wednesdays - in Mr. Moulton’s room
Thursdays - in Mr. Benjamin’s room

Staying Connected

There are multiple ways to stay connected to Deer Park Jr./Sr. High School. Please see the attached flyer for ways to stay connected through Email, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Text Messages.

• E-Mail: If you are not already signed up, please register for the e-mail communication. To register, simply go to www.deerparkcityschools.org and click on the button on the left side of the page that says “Subscribe to District News”. From there, you will send an email requesting that you be added to future email communication from the district.
• Twitter: Follow Deer Park Jr./Sr. High School for the most up-to-date news and happenings! @DeerParkHS, @DeerParkSchools and @dpcounselor.
• Facebook: follow us at Deer Park Community City Schools and Deer Park Jr/Sr High School
• Text Messages: Through a great program titled Remind, we can provide text message alerts/reminders in a safe, confidential manner.Remind never shows a person's cell number, which means we never see your number and you never see ours. Standard text messaging rates do apply. To subscribe, send an individual text message to: 81010 with the message @dpwildcats. Follow the instructions you receive via text message to complete your registration. Seniors also have a text messaging service. To subscribe, send an individual text message to: 81010 with the message @dpseniors.
• Instagram: follow us at DeerParkHS and DP_Schools

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